Lubbock-Cooper superintendent, wife announce retirement

Pat Henderson holds district record for longest tenure in position

The Lubbock-Cooper Independent School District is on the hunt for a new superintendent after Pat Henderson announced his retirement Friday at an employee appreciation ceremony.

Henderson began his 22 years in the district as a high school principal and has been superintendent for 19 years, making him the longest-serving superintendent in LCISD history.

His wife of 11 years, Jo Ellen Henderson, will also retire after 35 years in education. She spent three years as a Lubbock-Cooper High School teacher and the last nine as the district’s public information officer.

Pat Henderson will not be available for media interviews until Monday, a statement from the district said, but Jo Ellen Henderson said Friday, “It’s been an amazing journey — lots of ups and downs, but great times to see the district grow and be successful. But we both know that it’s time, and we’re ready for retirement.”

In the last 19 years, the district has grown dramatically — from 1,614 students in 1995 to its current student population of 4,947.

“I truly thank him for his years of leadership and guidance as he’s led Lubbock-Cooper from a small school district to one of the fastest growing in the state,” Assistant Superintendent Macy Satterwhite said. “He’s dealt with that fast growth, and he’s had a vision for the district the entire time and has recognized the potential for this district the entire time. That vision is one of extracurricular and academic excellence that’s been proven through the years.”

State accountability ratings have consistently been among the highest in the region under Henderson, according to the statement from the district. He also saw LCISD through four successful bond elections totaling $178 million, including the most recent one passed May 10.

Satterwhite called Pat Henderson a “great mentor” and “master in the field.” There were a lot of tears when he made his announcement, she said.

“He’s been around for such a long time. He’s a mainstay at Lubbock-Cooper, and everybody is happy for him that he’ll be retiring, but of course, I’m sure there’s some anxiety there about what’s next. He had the people stand up who started at the same time he did. There were so many, many people here that have been on this journey with him the entire time and they don’t know anyone else but Pat Henderson as superintendent,” Satterwhite said.